Fitbit could soon come preinstalled on Android phones
Whenever you get a brand new Android smartphone, it will come with a host of software preinstalled. This includes software made by the handset’s manufacturer, as well as a bunch of Google apps and services. But moving forwards, there’s a chance that the Fitbit app could actually come preinstalled on Android smartphones.
This is according to a report from 9to5Google who spotted that the recently-launched Oppo Find X8 series actually comes with the Fitbit app preinstalled on the device. This is kind of a first as far as non-Pixel phones are concerned. This is because Google had previously included the Fitbit app on its Pixel phones, but they have not made it a requirement for other Android handset makers.
We can’t say we’re too surprised with this move. In addition to Fitbit, Google has its own Google Fit app, so in a bid to streamline its offerings, the company is consolidating it into the Fitbit app. In fact, the Google Fit APIs are being discontinued and developers have until the 30th of June, 2025 to make the switch.
In a statement made to 9to5Google, a Google spokesperson confirmed the change. “The Fitbit app has been available since earlier this year to Android OEMs as we continue to support the health and wellness of more consumers. Several device manufacturers have chosen to preload the app on their mobile devices.”
The spokesperson does not mention that this is a requirement, so for now we suppose it’s up to Android handset makers to decide if they want to preinstall the Fitbit app on their phones.